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Saving lives in 18 holes at Hiwan

Contributed by: Einar Jensen on 4/9/2008

Saving lives by playing golf may sound like a dream, but it will be possible at a tournament at Hiwan Country Club May 19. The event benefits Evergreen Public Access Defibrillation (EPAD), a local non-profit dedicated to preventing and responding to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States, killing roughly 250,000 Americans annually, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Generally considered a problem among the elderly, SCA also strikes middle-aged adults, teenagers and children.

Adopting healthier lifestyles -- more exercise, better nutrition, cessation of smoking -- can reduce the risk of SCA, but some factors such as family history and genetics can't be mitigated.

When prevention falls short, having access to and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is integral to saving a patient.

An AED can detect unorganized, lethal heart rhythms (ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) in patients suffering from the early stages of SCA. Upon detecting either rhythm, its computer signals the person using the device to defibrillate the patient's heart.

A patient's chance of surviving SCA decreases 10 percent for every minute her heart remains in an unorganized rhythm, according to the AHA. It's a deadly condition.

Recognizing both the risks and the remedy, four community members established EPAD in 2001. Now comprised of local citizens, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, it' a 501c3 that raises money to purchase and distribute AEDs throughout Evergreen.

"As cliché as it sounds, a community effort is improving quality of life," said Dave Montesi, EPAD president and Evergreen Fire/Rescue paramedic.

EPAD has placed over 30 AEDs in our community; citizens and emergency responders already have used two of them to save lives.

• July 15, 2002. A 12-year-old boy collapsed with SCA while playing. He's revived with an AED that EPAD donated to Evergreen Fire/Rescue.

• Nov. 7, 2005. Evergreen Chorale Director Mike Weiker collapses with SCA during a rehearsal. Chorale members call 911, start CPR and use an AED acquired three weeks previously through EPAD to revive him.

EPAD provides grants to businesses, schools, civic groups and other interested parties for 50% of the AED's cost. Because an AED is more effective in the hands of a trained responder, EPAD also pays for the initial training at the recipient site.

Most of that money is generated at an annual golf tournament generously hosted by the world renowned Hiwan Country Club.

This year's tournament is May 19, and several spots remain open. Participation costs $125 per player, which covers green fees, carts, range balls and lunch.

"This tournament is perfect because it combines golf -- a wonderful form of exercise -- with community risk reduction," said EFR Community Educator Einar Jensen. "The opportunity to play 18 holes at Hiwan is icing on the cake."

"Our goal is to equip high risk and high volume facilities with AEDs," Montesi said. Facilities that already have AEDs include Center Stage, Clear Creek High School, the Lake House, Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Lutheran Church and Hiwan Country Club.

To register for the tournament or for information on adding an AED to your facility, visit www.evergreenpad.org or contact Montesi directly at dtamontesi@msn.com or 303-552-4609.


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Showing 1 of 1 comments
Submitted By: Harvard Reynolds
posted on 4/10/2008 @ 11:46:43 AM
(Not Rated)
For information about purchasing safe and easy-to-use automated external defibrillators (AED's) at the best pricing available, individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to contact AED-Supply-Store or visit them online. Website: www.AEDSupplyStore.com Toll-Free Phone: (866) 932-2331
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Einar Jensen

Evergreen , CO

Einar Jensen has posted 162 stories and 4 comments since joining on 9/21/2005. Einar Jensen 's average story rating is 4.99.
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